The walk to the dining hall felt akin to a march towards the guillotine for Gwen. Each step weighed heavily, without purpose or enthusiasm. Had the invitation to dinner not come from the Duke and if it was not a dinner with the King, Gwen would have refused outrightly. The prospect of sharing the same space as Lord Cossington filled her with dread, yet she had no choice. It was now beyond her and she would have to endure it.
As soon as the servant who had informed them of the prepared table exited the room to wait outside, Beth had turned to Gwen, urging her to refuse the invitation if she felt unable to attend. She offered to excuse Gwen by feigning illness on her behalf. However, Gwen had hesitated, partly because she did not want to cause her sister any unnecessary worries and partly to avoid rudeness towards the Duke of Carlisle and the King of her country. Slowly, she trailed behind Beth and Lucy, as they followed closely behind the servant. The hall was a great distance from their room, and with each step towards the hall, the temptation to retreat to the safety of their chambers grew stronger. How was she to endure the dinner if the tension was already palpable before they even arrived? At the entrance to the dining hall, they met with a gathering of other gentlemen and lords - guests of the King. Engaged in conversation, the men lingered outside, awaiting the commencement of the dinner. Despite her efforts to avoid it, Gwen couldn't help but look around, though there was no logical reason to search for Lord Cossington, yet, as soon as they arrived, her gaze unwittingly found him amidst the small crowd. He stood with his back to her, engrossed in deep conversation with another lord. Her heart did a mild flip, not from joy, but anxiety. She silently prayed for the doors to open before he noticed her, but alas, her prayers were to go unanswered. As if prompted by fate, he turned and locked eyes with her."Lady Fitzgerald!" His voice rang out, commanding the attention of the other lords. Gwen's heart stopped. "It is a greatness to know that we shall gaze upon your face at dinner?" "Lord Cossington," Beth addressed, bowing to him. "We have been graciously invited by the Duke of Carlisle." Her tone carried a subtle undertone, more akin to a warning than a mere statement of fact. "I remember." He acknowledged, stepping out from the small cluster of guests. "I remember all too well." What had transpired between them after she had been led away by Lucy? There was an undeniable tension, but Gwen did not want to dwell on it. Finally, the doors swung open, and the kingsman stood by it, ushering them into the exquisitely adorned room. The dining hall of the castle was a sight to behold. Imposing in its grandeur, its size shamed the great room at Westside Manor, at least from Gwen's perspective. The walls were painted with rich, dark colours, giving an air of sophistication to the space, while the upholstery boasted materials of the finest quality. Stretching before them, the long table was adorned with an array of dishes and delicacies, some of which Gwen had only ever sampled on special occasions at Westside Manor. The waiting party gathered immediately and pressed forward. Lord Cossington walked away from them, placing a good distance between them. The servants bowed respectfully and exited the room, closing the door behind them. Gwen followed behind Beth, her steps hesitant as she dragged her feet. It was an unfamiliar place and even with Beth and Lucy beside her, her tensed heart refused to calm down. The company was already a mistake. 'Dear Lord, do not let me sit across or beside him.' She prayed in heart, sincere with every word. Lifting her head, she spotted the king standing a short distance away from the table, he had a smile that showed warmth but was somehow not it. Standing to his right was the prince, mirroring his brother's smile, while the Duke of Carlisle stood to his left. The men had been patiently awaiting their arrival. The Duke of Carlisle maintained his characteristic stoic expression, his hands neatly tucked into his pockets. Gwen's eyes stayed for a second and she couldn't help but wonder if the man ever smiled. He stood as tall as the King, perhaps an inch or two shorter, yet still towering over the prince. The king's smile had an infectious charm, capable of brightening any room, and Gwen would have been fine with it if it did not cause a knot to come loose in her stomach. Though mischievous, it held a hint of unease that unsettled her. 'Lord please, may dinner not devolve into another round of trials and teasing,' she silently prayed, hoping for a reprieve from the tension that lingered in the air. The Prince stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his smile mirroring that of his brother's, but it did not possess the ability to unsettle her. His eyes, however, did. There was something peculiar about them. When they had passed by each other earlier outside by the wall, she had taken notice but dismissed it as a trick of the light. Now, as she stood closer, she couldn't deny it any longer: the Prince's left eye was different from his right. It was different from the eyes of every other person. A jagged scar stretched from above his brow to his cheek, giving his eye a haunting emptiness, a single look of deadness. Unable to turn her gaze away, Gwen continued to stare, transfixed by the sight until the Prince caught her and winked with the very eye. Flustered and ashamed, she quickly averted her gaze. Could he be blind in that eye? "Your Majesty, the Dukes of Waichester, Chamberlaene, Wynton, the Viscounts of Sorway and Ackley, your solicitors, the ministers, and Lady Beth, Lady Gwen and Lady Lucy." The kingsman announced their arrival. The King clapped once. "I see everyone has come. shall we proceed to eat, I am positively famished." "Your Majesty, thank you for sharing your table with us. And thank you for the tournament today, it was fun to watch." One of the lords said. "Yes, it must have been." The king replied, stepping forward. "It wasn't as much fun for the parties involved." He commented snidely. "Shall we then." Everyone nodded and moved to take their seats, but soon confusion rippled through the room. Upon approaching their chairs, they noticed name cards placed in front of each plate. Beth's forehead creased in puzzlement as she examined hers. She was to be seated beside the Duke of Carlisle, with Lucy to her left. Gwen anxiously scanned the table, searching for her own name. Where was she to be seated? "Um, Your Majesty…?" Someone began. The King interjected, his voice cutting through the confusion. "Do not be alarmed. There is no cause whatsoever for that. I thought to make tonight's dinner less formal and more enjoyable." Taking his own seat at the head of the table, he continued, "Considering the weight of our political discussions and issues of state for the next few days, I deemed it fitting to set aside titles and wealth for the evening's festivities. What better way is there than this?" There were other ways. Gwen thought. Men of the ton often sat together to a few bottles of brandy, and of course, cigars, talking about politics and women. There were surely other ways. Despite the King's reassurances, no one moved, save for the Prince who obediently seated himself to the King's right. The King's humour faded at once as he reiterated, "Sit. Everyone. Take your seats in accordance with your name cards.""But that will place me below Sir Georgestons." The same lord who had spoken before pointed out."Lord of Waichester, here there are no ranks, only men of like mind gathered for a meal," the King declared, his tone taking on a more relaxing edge. "While I might have chosen another seat, I am particularly partial to this one." His demeanour softened as he added, "Now, please, take your seat, and let us enjoy our dinner together. The food is growing cold."As everyone found and settled into their seats, wearing expressions of forced solemnity, Gwen slowly approached the table, searching like the others for her name card. When she finally found it, she was dismayed. Her name card was at the far end of the table, greatly removed from her sister and cousin, and positioned directly across from the king.Why had she been placed so far from her relatives? How would she survive the evening without their support and reassurance? Slowly, she walked to her assigned seat and carefully planted hers
"Our fathers were once close friends," Lord Cossington began, his voice measured. "But our families' relationship has since soured."A wave of relief washed over Gwen and unintentionally, she released a breath of air, her erratic heart momentarily calming down. He did not move to disgrace her. She hastily grabbed her cup and emptied its contents in one gulp. When she set it down, the minister seated beside her kindly refilled it. She bowed slightly, thanking him. He gave her a slow smile and she quickly looked away, feeling a pang of discomfort."I see." remarked the King, his attention still focused on his meal. "It's a pity about your families falling out." He continued to saw away at the meat on his plate. "Have you truly let go of any lingering feelings?"Gwen froze."Lingering feelings? There are no lingering feelings, Your Majesty." Lord Cossington replied tersely."Good," the King mumbled around a mouthful of food. His eyes went to Lord Cossington. "I would hate an altercation
Transfixed in place, Alexander stood by the door and watched in silence as Guinevere's fingers danced across the keys, releasing a beautiful tune that enraptured him, making his ears somewhat rejoice. Careful not to disrupt her, Alexander quietly entered the room and continued to observe Guinevere's performance.Her eyes were closed and she flung her head backwards, he saw the smile come alive on her face, her lips stretching to accommodate it. She painted a picture of pure bliss and he was deeply drawn into the enchanting scene. Alexander felt the sound coming from the keys ripple through her being, and by extension, he let it sing through his own bones. And as each note reverberated through the room, he felt a connection form between them, as if the music itself were weaving a bond between their souls. It was a fine tune, devoid of sorrow yet imbued with a solemn beauty. It filled the air with a sense of joy and Alexander found himself smiling to it.When the final note ended and Gu
"Your performance upon the piano forte." He nodded towards it. "It was amazing." Then, "Would you be so kind as to grace me with another rendition?""Your Majesty?"The King's eyes held hers. "Guinevere, I want you to play for me again." He commanded.Was he punishing her? Was that why he asked her to play again? She couldn't possibly! "Your Majesty, I would never step foot in this room again." She swore.The King stepped away from the wall, walking over to the piano forte. As he approached, Gwen's heart raced with anticipation, unsure of what to expect next. She watched in rapt attention as he reached out to brush his fingers lightly across the keys, eliciting a soft, melodic whisper from the instrument.The sight of him at the piano forte sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but admire the graceful way in which he moved, his presence commanding yet strangely captivating. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, seeing the king engaged in something so intimate and person
Gwen rushed to join the waiting party. After she had escaped the conversation with the king, she had moved with more speed than grace and had gone to get the shawls which was her primary assignment. Despite the sunrays, the morning air remained chilly, and with the cold wind blowing, Beth would start to turn pink and that was the reason she had gone to get shawls for her, for them all. She never thought of encountering the king or getting herself entangled in the odd conversation. Now, she hastened out of the castle, fleeing as though danger was right behind her."Where have you been? How long does it take to fetch some clothing?" Lucy, echoing Aunt Marrily's demeanour, approached Gwen as soon as she was within earshot."I got a bit turned around." Gwen fibbed. She couldn't possibly tell that she had ventured into the king's piano room and ended up in conversation with him."I had a feeling. The castle is great and mighty!" Lucy responded excitedly, taking the blue shawl from Gwen and
After a few moments, the king broke the silence, directing his man. "Edmund, would you be so kind as to accompany and entertain Lady Gallagher? I wish to explore Guinevere's company alone."God, no! Gwen refused in her head, her heart sinking. She dreaded being alone with the King. His presence made her doubt herself and filled her with anxiety. "Your Majesty, we should stay together." She protested, hoping to avoid being alone with him."I mean nothing by it." He assured, but his smile held a different implication. "I promise to return you unharmed, to quell any concerns your sister may have.""But, Your Majesty…""Edmund, tell Lady Gallagher of the stories of the moors and the history of the castle.""Yes, Your Majesty." The kingsman replied immediately. Of course, he could not refuse. "Shall we, Lady Gallagher?"With a short smile, Lucy commanded her horse after Edmund, the faithful and obedient servant. "Do enjoy the ride, Gwen." And they were off.How was she to enjoy it?! She wa
"Guinevere is a truly beautiful name, have I not mentioned it before?" His tone was soft and his remark, contemplative.He had. Gwen nodded slowly, recalling previous instances when he had addressed her by name. "I mean, you address me as if we were acquaintances." In truth, he had extended more familiarity than mere acquaintanceship. "As if we were friends.""We are friends. Any friend of Carlisle is a friend of mine." The king asserted, his horse nudging hers playfully as if to emphasize his point."But I am not a friend of the Duke; it is my sister who shares that bond with him, not me." Gwen pointed out."Then we should uproot that obstacle. From this day forth, we are friends, Guinevere." He declared, his words carrying an air of finality.Gwen was momentarily stunned by his proclamation. Was it not proper to ask for a hand of friendship rather than declare it so boldly? In the brief time she had known him, she had observed the king's tendency to assert rather than negotiate. Was
Gwen flushed with embarrassment, recalling the unexpected appearance of the fox earlier. "That fox appeared out of nowhere." She called out, her cheeks burning with humiliation. "I was more surprised than scared.""I have said nothing at all." The king offered over his shoulder and continued to walk away with a casual air of indifference. Feeling a surge of frustration and annoyance, Gwen turned away from him, her jaw clenched in silent frustration. She couldn't help but wonder if their brief encounter had been worth the effort, or if she had simply fallen victim to the king's inflated ego once again.The sun's rays danced upon the surface of something shimmering in the distance, and the reflection drew Gwen's attention. There was a passing waterbrook, winding its way away from where they stood. Its tranquil flow mesmerized her, and she went towards it.Entering perfectly into the king's secret place, Gwen found it was small and covered all around by a canopy of trees. Like a well-gua